[SophieLeeds]

This past few years we've had an increasing problem with the number of foxes about. I can look out the kitchen window any time of day and see at least 2-3 on our land, and as many as six at any point in the evening.

Last year one got into the chicken hut and had a mass massacre of 20 birds (didn't even eat one!). Oddly enough it didn't touch any of the ducks which were also in the hut that night- must have picky tastes!

I've also had to bash one around the yard with a rake to try retrieve a chicken from its mouth, and it didn't let go without a five minute fight!

Last week I caught one in the field with two of my boars- Mr Foxes outcome wasn't great.

Getting to the point that I'm now struggling to sleep as the dogs are going bananas all hours of the night when the fox sits under the windows howling  The dogs do keep them away to a certain degree, but I'm having to bring them in at night as someone local complained when they're barking at the foxes.

The neighbour across the road puts out pies and chicken breasts to feed them, even still does it after I turned up on her doorstep with a sack of dead chickens and told her what she's causing. (Nightmare neighbour from hell- want to try avoiding her if at all possible).

Is anyone else experiencing a HUGE increase in the number of them? Also, is it just Yorkshire foxes, or are they all getting unbelievably brazen? And how are people dealing with them?

Can anyone clarify the legalities on getting rid of them? We've had a few attempts at a variety of methods that I won't detail incase its considered naughty 

[doganjo]

Will the council pest control officer not help if you explain this neighbour is feeding them?

[SophieLeeds]

Will the council pest control officer not help if you explain this neighbour is feeding them?

The council say they don't approve of 'lethal control' of foxes and can only recommend we buy 'liquid deterrents' which we can't do because we have four dogs, all of which are working dogs and need to be able to access the land

[Porterlauren]

You can legally kill them on your own land by either shooting, or trapping them. No doubt there is someone in your local area who would oblige. . . . if you were local to me i'd jump at the chance. Most likely it's a litter of this years cubs.

P.S - Your local council sound like morons.

[SophieLeeds]

You can legally kill them on your own land by either shooting, or trapping them. No doubt there is someone in your local area who would oblige. . . . if you were local to me i'd jump at the chance. Most likely it's a litter of this years cubs.

P.S - Your local council sound like morons.

We've had a go at shooting them before but it seems that as soon as you get rid of one, they bring another vixen in to make their numbers up. Also have to tread very carefully because above mentioned neighbour would have a heart attack if she knew and make life awkward. I'm looking for more of a longer term deterrent- if such exists?

I don't dare leave the dogs out at night now, as I read that if more than one dog is seen chasing a fox then it's classed as hunting and you can be prosecuted- does anyone know if this is true? I don't want the dogs to maim anything, I just think they'd be our best shot at putting the foxes off coming on the land

[doganjo]

Found these websites.

http://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/info/431/pest_control/16/help_with_fox_problems

http://www.primrose.co.uk/pest-control-repellers-c-24_197.html?source=googleads&gclid=Cj0KEQjwjtGfBRCN4-LU9ODG1-wBEiQAy_Xp7_zGlSKIML831doxAnoi8eysdwvnA8kiPS0niDqqULQaAgsn8P8HAQ

http://www.easylifegroup.com/product/fox-repellent/3494?gclid=Cj0KEQjwjtGfBRCN4-LU9ODG1-wBEiQAy_Xp76vuTWs8y0v8_mzpBqWN765U5GKytzbW1LXju6gTAQkaAumz8P8HAQ

[SophieLeeds]

Found these websites.

http://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/info/431/pest_control/16/help_with_fox_problems

http://www.primrose.co.uk/pest-control-repellers-c-24_197.html?source=googleads&gclid=Cj0KEQjwjtGfBRCN4-LU9ODG1-wBEiQAy_Xp7_zGlSKIML831doxAnoi8eysdwvnA8kiPS0niDqqULQaAgsn8P8HAQ

http://www.easylifegroup.com/product/fox-repellent/3494?gclid=Cj0KEQjwjtGfBRCN4-LU9ODG1-wBEiQAy_Xp76vuTWs8y0v8_mzpBqWN765U5GKytzbW1LXju6gTAQkaAumz8P8HAQ

Thanks Doganjo- have purchased couple of 'fox scarers' that I'll turn on when the dogs arent outside 

[Porterlauren]

Under the Hunting Act, to purposefully hunt a fox with more than two dogs, is illegal. But it is extremely unlikely you would get prosecuted if they chased a fox in your own garden. . . . accidents happen!

[SophieLeeds]

Under the Hunting Act, to purposefully hunt a fox with more than two dogs, is illegal. But it is extremely unlikely you would get prosecuted if they chased a fox in your own garden. . . . accidents happen!

I shall let the dogs out for their nighttime toilet then

[midtown]

I shall let the dogs out for their nighttime toilet then

Yep, just like we do around here. Coincidentally, as do one or two others around the same time!

[Me]

Being as they are semi-tame a fox trap with aforementioned chicken breast would work well. A silenced .410 out the bathroom window could work wonders without endangering or disturbing those of an excitable disposition nearby.
If the dogs were to catch one - as unfortunate and regrettable a situation as that would be it would either escape to kill another chicken another day or end up very, very dead. Maiming is less likely with dogs than gun IMO. Good luck with your pests (2 and 4 legged)

[devonlady]

I would be inclined to shoot my neighbour!! (only joking ) My DIL is desperate because her neighbour puts out food for RATS!!! She thinks they're sweet

[Me]

Savoury.

WHAT!? Can't "Like" my own posts? Disgusting! 

[cloddopper]

Look on line for pigeon shooter clubs/ websites or perhaps go to the local feed merchants and see about leaving a shooting opportunity card on their files.
The other place of course is the registered firearms dealer /gun shop or cartridge supplier they often display such card as yours. inside the shop.
   
 You're likely to have to sign up to a website group but if the land is permissible for fox extermination you may have several folk with an open ticket & a sound moderated rifle only to happy to come and see you to take the numbers down.

 You could also  try and contact some local farmers rather than small holders ,  for most farmers will know of shooters if they have sheep & game birds .
 Even a decent butcher with a good game section might know of shooters who would do it for just the fuel & ammo costs.

[Porterlauren]

We have a problem fox around at the moment. It came in the middle of the day and killed two of my three geese, and has taken seven of a neighbours chickens in the day, along with other poultry around the valley. He is an old, grey muzzled dog fox, and has been seen by a couple of people. I assume he has been pushed out of his area and has moved into ours recently. I'm gutted that our geese were the first attack, if we'd had warning they would have been under lock and key all day. But now we must hunt him down, as until then nothing can free range around the area. He's wise to the lamp, but the traps are out and there are a few likely spots of woodland to check with the dogs. Sooner or later he'll get caught out!